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Front
The HP Photosmart M527 has an industrial plastic-metal hybrid look. The front is extremely chunky compared to other brands of entry-level cameras. A wide handgrip-like surface takes up the majority of the front side and displays the Photosmart M527 text with the HP logo on top. In the center is a well-endowed flash. To the right is an auto assist light and a tiny off-center microphone. Following along a mooncrest that separates the plastic from metal, the moderately sized lens barrel sits off to the side with text that reads, “HP Precision 3x Optical Zoom 6.0mm – 18.0mm.” The lens is surrounded by a thick outer rim and below in the corner of the camera the 6.0 megapixel count is stated.
Back
The back of the Photosmart M527 has a 2-inch LCD that looks larger than it really is. Surrounded by a black border and flat metal surface, the panel can trick the eye into making the LCD seem bigger than it actually is. Underneath is the HP Photosmart logo. Above the LCD is the capsule-like on/off button with a power light indicator that flashes blue.
Divided by a raised groove, the button features are separate from the LCD and power button. The function buttons are located to the right in a slight slope. On top is an inverted L-shaped button for zooming in and out. The button magnifies the image in recording and playback modes and shows the thumbnail view in the playback mode. Below the zoom button is the 4-way controller with a clear bubbled Menu/OK button in the center. At the bottom is the delete function, identified with a blue icon.
Left Side
The left side, at first glance, looks simple with plain seams. Underneath a tiny hatch are two ports: the USB port and the power adapter connector. The plastic cover that hides the ports hangs by a rubber cord.
Right Side
The right side of the M527 shows the rounded features of the camera. The only feature on the right side is the curved wrist strap eyelet.
Top
The top of the M527 is reminiscent of a VCR, with similar control designs. Along the seam of the camera are rectangular buttons - the flash control, Photosmart Express button, and recording/playback function - marked with black icons and one blue icon. To the far right is the record video button. At the corner is the very large shutter button. Also visible and accessible on the slanted top is the On/Off button.
Bottom
The bottom, which shows how chunky the camera really is, houses the dual battery and SD memory card compartment. The card door, although plastic, is accessed through a secure sliding lock and attached well with a strong wired hinge. At the axis of the camera is the tripod mount made from plastic. Above the tripod mount is an exposed dock connector port. To the left is the serial information. From the bottom, users can also see the side port hatch.
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